Defending the Caribbean: U.S. Military Ramps Up Operations Amid Venezuela Tensions

In a significant development, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared American military engagement in the Caribbean as a frontline counter-narcotics mission. Speaking to sailors and Marines aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Hegseth emphasized that the deployment near Puerto Rico responds to a real-world scenario addressing vital national interests.

The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies measures against Venezuela, accused of drug trafficking activities—charges Caracas refutes. Additionally, President Trump has instructed the Department of Defense to rename itself the Department of War, pending Congressional approval, underscoring a more assertive military strategy.

Accompanied by top military officials, Hegseth assessed the heightened U.S. military presence designed to combat drug cartels funneling narcotics into the U.S. Puerto Rico's strategic importance in this counter-narcotics mission has been acknowledged by both local and federal leaders, amid queries about the legal grounds of recent military strikes in the Caribbean.

(With inputs from agencies.)